Al Tayer Group has announced that it will soon set up the first Crate & Barrel home furnishing stores outside North America, with the first one to come up in Dubai, early in 2010.

In a franchise contract, the Al Tayer Group will establish two shops in 2010, out of which first will be located in the Mall of the Emirates and the second in Mirdif City Centre which will also open its doors in the first three month period.

The sources informed that the stores will be controlled and functioned by Al Tayer Trends, the lifestyle retail subsidiary of the group.

Crate & Barrel is known for its exclusive furniture as well as houseware designs, comprising kitchenware, tabletops and home accessories.

The sources further informed that all merchandise available in the US stores will also be provided in the UAE.

At present company controls 77 stores across 82 North American markets comprising Toronto and Calgary.